W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025
VOLUME 92, NO. 25
YOUR TOWN CITY’S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION SET The city of Winter Garden invites residents and visitors to its annual Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Charlie Mae Wilder Park, 1203 E. Plant St. The free, family-friendly event will feature live musical performances, a kids zone with arts and crafts, community resource booths, and guest speakers. Free shuttle service will be provided from the parking lot across from the Winter Garden Library at 848 E. Plant St. This year’s celebration holds special significance as it will take place at the newly named Charlie Mae Wilder Park, dedicated last year in honor of Charlie Mae Wilder. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate alongside Wilder in the park.
HEALTHY WEST ORANGE PRESENTS FAMILY CLASS
To kick off Westly’s Splash Challenge, Healthy West Orange and the Roper Family YMCA are teaming up to offer a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy some family fun — all at the same time. The Family Aqua Fitness Class will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Roper Family YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden. Stay cool and get your workout in at the same time at the Roper YMCA pool. Aqua fitness, like water aerobics, is a low-impact workout offering a gentle way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. It’s a great option for all fitness levels, especially those with joint pain or recovering from injuries. This class is designed for ages 10 and older, and participants should be able to stand in a 4-foot, 6-inch pool. After the one-hour class, participants are welcome to stay for two hours of open swim. Folks can swim laps, tread water, or simply float around and relax. All participants will be registered for Westly’s Splash Challenge and receive a goodie bag. Registration is required, and spots are limited. Sign up at bit.ly/4l77KgF.
Orange County mayor gives State of the County address. SEE PAGE 5A.
Recycling returns to Winter Garden A private company will start in one neighborhood with plans to expand into other areas. PAGE 6A.
New lease on life After undergoing a second liver transplant, Horizon West resident Andrew Wagner has a new outlook on life. PAGE 4A.
Couples scoop up downtown nostalgia New Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream owners work to preserve the shop’s 17-year legacy. SEE PAGE 7A.
MEET THE
CANDIDATES
Courtesy photo
Andrew Wagner said receiving a liver was bittersweet. He was happy to receive a life-saving liver, but he prayed for the family of the donor.
REAL ESTATE This 5,247-square-foot Oakland Park home, with six bedrooms and five-and-one-half baths, was Winter Garden’s top residential real estate transaction in late May. SEE PAGE 9A.
Four compete for Florida Senate District 15 seat. SEE PAGE 3A.